Vardöhuus

Vardöhuus

Vardöhuus is a small island in the Barents Sea. Made famous by the historic 1553 voyage in search of the fabled Northeast passage. As the vessels rounded the rocky shores of northern Norway coming in conflict with a 'whirlwind' two of the three ships (The Bona Esperanza and The Confidentia) were blown off course. The Bona Esperanza was captained by Sir Hugh Willoughby, a 'goodly personage' but one who had absolutely no knowledge of navigation. The Expedition leader, Richard Chancellor had planned for such an eventuality, suggesting that the ships regroup at Vardöhuus. After waiting seven days and hearing nothing of either ships he pushed eastward towards the White Sea.